Glossary
[a - e] [f - j] [k - o] [p - t] [u - z]
Frenectomy
Performed usually when, the frenum is preventing correct eruption or orthodontic intervention being successful.
Removal of the frenum (piece of tissue between upper/lower anterior teeth joined to lip)
Flap Surgery
Performed after non-surgical treatment has not reduced pocket depths in an area, flap surgery gives greater access to deeper pockets for debridement.
Gingival tissue (flap) is raised away from the teeth from all aspects for access to the tooth root surfaces. The surface is then planned and occasionally the surrounding bone recontoured. The gingival flap is the sutured back into place using silk sutures.
Gum Lift
A periodontal plastic surgery procedure to shape the gum and bone higher on the teeth in a “gummy smile” to lengthen the teeth and improve aesthetics. A gum line that is not symmetrical can also be recontoured in the same way.
Graft Surgery
Performed to replace tissue in an area of recession, usually (most common) the lower anteriors.
An incision is performed along the gingival margin of the area that is to be grafted. A piece of tissue is taken from the patient’ palate for the graft. There are two different types of tissue taken dependent on the graft area to be covered. CT graft this is the connective tissue, taken from he underneath layer of tissue on the palate. Sutures close the site where the tissue was removed. FGG this is when all the layers of tissue are used for the graft (full thickness). A piece of tissue is taken from the palate and a l dressing is placed over the area, the patient is also made a Hawley appliance to wear over the palate to protect the area during healing. The graft tissue is then sutured over the area to be grafted using small 5/0 chromic gut sutures and allowed to heal.
Implant Surgery
Performed to replace missing teeth.
A flap is raised over the area. A sequence of drills is used to prepare an accurate site for implant placement. A titanium implant fixture is slowly placed into the bone at the prepared site. A healing abutment is placed over the implant fixture and the tissue sutured back around the healing abutment, the healing abutment is visible through the tissue. The patient sees their dentist for a crown to be attached on the implant.
